The programs — which not long ago were dominated by male students — have also become more diversified as more women register to take advantage of the hands-on training.

Andrew Paad, machine tool technology instructor, said the program offers a safe working environment for students to learn to program and operate manufacturing and production equipment.

He said having the program in Alpena helps students find jobs in the field in Northeast Michigan, where there is high demand.

“The skilled trade positions aren’t replenishing themselves and because of that there is very high demand, and high paying jobs,” Paad said. “Right now, I have first semester students who we have placed in jobs locally.”

News Photo by Steve Schulwitz Andrew Paad, machine tool technology instructor at Alpena Community College, helps show his student Rachel Baker how to operate a new robot the college acquired recently.

Paad said when people think about working in a shop they envision dark and dirty work environments and standing in one place for many hours doing repetitive work.

He said that isn’t the case any more as technology is more environmentally friendly, and more comfortable workshops are the new norm.

“Those days are long gone,” he said. “Today’s shops are bright and clean and employees don’t want just a machinist any more, they want somebody that does it all. You’re not going to be just sitting in a welding booth for 10 hours a day.”

Tim Ratz, an ACC welding instructor, agreed with Paad that there is high demand for people who know how to weld.

He said there are varying degrees of certificates and degrees students can work toward, which sets them up for a bigger payday when they get the job of their choice.

News Photo by Steve Schulwitz Rachel Baker works with one of the mills while in class at the Alpena Community College on Tuesday. Baker is one of more women who are taking skilled trade courses. Instructor Andrew Padd said the classes and job field has become much more diverse over the last decade.

“Right now, I have never seen the job market for this as good as it is now, in the 20 years I’ve been here,” Ratz said. “The key is the jobs are local and the kids can stay at home and make a good living, often starting at $20 an hour with benefits.”

Paad said over the last decade, more women are registering for the courses, which he believes is pivotal in helping fill the vast job openings locally and around the country.

“It is night and day compared to a decade ago,” he said. “Ten or 15 years ago, it was a totally different landscape, but now, it isn’t a thing. The women are accepted and there just isn’t any issue any more.”

The programs will undergo some changes in the near future.

The machine shop is moving into the old auto shop, which will be re-outfitted and open up more space for students, as well as the new equipment the school has, such as a robot.

News Photo by Steve Schulwitz Zachary Kazyaka wraps up a welding project while at school on Tuesday.

The welding shop will also be expanded to better fit the needs of the students and equipment needed.

“It’s exciting,” Paad said.

News Photo by Steve Schulwitz Tim Ratz, left, welding instructor at ACC, works with student Rachel Baker in the welding lab on Tuesday.